Gemotions

A tremor ran through Amelia’s hands as she held the email. The subject line, “Regarding Your Submission,” was innocuous, yet it screamed failure. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Her novel, her baby, was supposed to be soaring. The dream publisher, Quill & Parchment, had been her beacon. Now, it felt like a spotlight had suddenly gone out.

She sat heavily on her couch, the vibrant cushions suddenly mocking her. She reread the rejection. The editor's words were carefully chosen, praising the concept, but finding the execution…lacking. Her breath hitched. That couldn't be right. Had she truly missed the mark?

Amelia stared at her laptop, the screen reflecting her own bewildered face. She reached out, hovering her fingers above the keyboard as if it were a dangerous object. A wave of exhaustion washed over her. She felt like she'd been running a marathon and had just tripped at the finish line.